LeBron James Just Donated $41 Million To Send 1,100 Kids To College

YOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD OF THE FAMOUS BASKETBALL STAR, LEBRON JAMES, BUT HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT HIS ASTOUNDING RECENT DONATION TO THE COMMUNITY HE GREW UP IN?

Born in Akron, Ohio, Lebron James started out with a difficult childhood. With his parents struggling to support themselves, and him, they sent LeBron to live with the family of Frank Walker.

For fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers player, this was a fortunate decision, as Walker was the one who inspired James’ love and talent for basketball.

As professional athlete, now James has the ability to return the favour and help others. What’s more, he’s showing the community that raised him how much he appreciates them by donating an enormous amount of money to help kids from the Akron area go to college.

A report from ESPN says that the star, who often says he is “just a kid from Akron,” combined forces with the University of Akron to provide college educations for students in the community. In his “I Promise” program, students who qualify are guaranteed a 4-year scholarship to the University.

Tuition and the University’s general service fee (about $9,500 a year) will be covered by the scholarship. Conclusively, the scholarship will cover the costs for approximately 1,100 students, which will cost LeBron’s foundation just over $41 million.

This incredible news was announced back in June while LeBron was hosting an event for students at Cedar Point Amusement Park. At the event, he said:

“It’s the reason I do what I do. These students have big dreams, and I’m happy to do everything I can to help them get there. They’re going to have to earn it, but I’m excited to see what these kids can accomplish knowing that college is in their futures.”

While they haven’t quite determined all of the required criteria to qualify for the scholarship, it will likely entail these two things: students will need to have graduated high school within Akron’s public school system, and they must meet standard testing requirements. Applicants will also likely be required to participate in community service obligations.

“It means so much because, as a kid growing up in the inner city and a lot of African-American kids, you don’t really think past high school,” said James, who bypassed college to jump to the NBA. “You don’t really know your future. You hear high school all the time, and you graduate high school and then you never think past that because either it’s not possible or your family’s not financially stable to even be able to support a kid going to college.”